Reachforthewall says goodbye and thank you

To the Reachforthewall community,

We are very sad to announce that Reachforthewall.com will be shutting down effective immediately.

When we launched this website in June of 2009, we had the ambitious goal of providing comprehensive reporting on the D.C. area’s swimming scene. During that time, you welcomed us into your practices and onto your pool decks, and you made us feel like a part of your community. Reachforthewall became a source for all things D.C. swimming and witnessed greatness at every level in the nation’s talent pool. We are grateful to those who made it so and regret that it must come to an end.

Before we go, we’d like to thank a number of people who, without their help, this site would not have gotten off the ground.

First, we’d like to thank the many data coordinators who provided us with results. Without their timely reporting and dedication to their leagues, the site would not have gotten very far. Specifically, we thank those in the Montgomery County Swim League for enthusiastically buying in right from when we launched in 2009, and to the other leagues — NVSL, PMSL, PWSL, CSL, DCCL, ODSL and CCSDA — for quickly following suit.

We’d also like to thank the athletes and coaches who put so many hours in the pool; you provided a seemingly endless supply of inspiration for those who wrote for this site. Our deepest thanks for your time, your insight and above all your dedication to the sport.

We’d also like to thank the many writers. Your perspectives helped create a richer experience for all those who came here to read.

Finally, to you, our loyal readers. Without you there would be no community. We will miss you most of all. Keep swimming, keep reaching.